Sisson Kayaks is a maker of handcrafted sea and multisport kayaks. The business is in one ownership since 1974. First kayak made 1975. Peak production was not much short of 50 per week. This is now a one-man-band retirement hobby business. Annual production halts at 50 kayaks - about one per week. Get your order in early.
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Astrolab


The sea-kayak version of the Esprit multisport kayak

Our Eliminator customers demanded the Pepin.

Now our Esprit customers demand the Astrolab as a go-fast, budget sea kayak that knocks the socks off (faster than) any ‘Tupperware’ boat of similar value. On land this kayak is light enough to carry your paddle in one hand and the kayak in the other – just try doing that with most similar priced ‘plastic’ sea kayaks!

  • Are you a Multisporters who lives near protected open water?
  • Are you forced into training on your own?
  • Do you dabble in kayak camping?
  • When it comes to rivers, do you mainly paddle those like the Wanganui?
  • Do you already own a heavy, high-drag plastic sea kayak?

If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, an Astrolab could be the boat for you. Such a purchase could save you thousands of dollars.

The ASTROLAB is a sea kayak version of the ESPRIT.

  • The hull through the mid-section is strengthened against impact by adding two extra unidirectional roving beams of 23000 fibres each.
  • Two bulkheads are glassed in from both sides to seal the ends into compartments. The reserve buoyancy of a tipped over and flooded Astrolab is very high. Hatches are fitted to these compartments so that camping gear can be carried.
  • Decklines are fitted so that solo self rescues can be undertaken with confidence.
  • The Overdeck rudder is the same rugged unit used on thousands of our multisport kayaks since 1986.
  • Refer “Pepin” page for more details on the features of the Astrolab construction and fit-out.

When compared with other manufacturers offerings in this niche, the Astrolab out-performs them all on both performance and price.

  • Grahame Sisson
  • Fibreglass, carbon and premium grade resin. 2300 unidirectional glass laid into keel with two unidirectional runners through the cockpit and under each bulkhead.

    Overdeck rudder and adjustable footrest included.

    Standard Hatches:
    210 mm hatches with a fabric neoprene covers Stern large hatch upgrade $NZ75
  • Length: 5m
    Max Beam: 500mm
    Depth (knees): 350mm
    Depth (feet): 315mm
    Std Weight: 20kg
    Kevlar Weight: 18.5kg

    Cockpit opening 500mm x 380mm. Coaming fits GroundZero spraydeck code SPRAYN2. GroundZero spraydecks are available in S, M, & L tunnel sizes.

    Coaming fits GroundZero cockpit cover COVN2.

 

 

 

 

 


Start here to begin the customized design process of your next Sisson Kayak.

Contact us via email to discuss any questions about our products or to find more information about this site.

Ever wonder how to make sure your water photography comes out clear and beautiful? Check out this video of camera stabilizing techniques in a Sisson Nucleus 100 Kayak.

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